Volunteer Application

Non-Discrimination Policy

Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer mentor. All applications will be given equal consideration regardless of race, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or national origin.  

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Volunteer Consent for Release of Criminal Record Check

BBBSSterling Volunteers
Along with this application, you will need to submit a copy of a government-issued photo ID. Participant data securely transmitted and stored directly in a Salesforce database using two-factor authentication.
You will also need to submit your driver’s license (if not used as your government-issued photo ID) and proof of auto-insurance if you plan to transport a child.
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Disclosure


References and Background Check 
Please provide reference information for at least one person in EACH of the following categories, all of whom you have known for at least one year:
  1. A Spouse *If you do not have a spouse, please instead list another family member.   
  2. A Co-worker or Professional Supervisor
  3. A Friend
Please provide reference information for at least one person in EACH of the following categories, all of whom you have known for at least one year:
  1. A Spouse *If you do not have a spouse, please instead list another family member.
  2. A Co-worker or Professional Supervisor
  3. A Friend
  4. A friend, neighbor, coworker, or roommate.
*References must be 18 years or older.  
Spouse or Family Member







Co-worker or Professional Supervisor







Friend/Personal
Please list a close friend who you do not work with.







Additional friend, neighbor, coworker, or roommate















Volunteer Experience
Please complete the following information for each place you held a position where you volunteered or worked with children in the past five years. 











Consent to Reference and Background Check
I understand that:

  1. The references and youth organizations that I have worked for or been involved with as a volunteer whose information I have provided may be contacted by telephone or email.
  2. The information I provide may be used to conduct a background check, to include a driving records check, criminal background check, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth. If matched, the information I provided may also be used to conduct an annual criminal background and driving records check. Continued involvement will be based on the information discovered.
  3. As part of the enrollment process, I agree to provide additional personal information to assist Big Brothers Big Sisters in making a recommendation for matching.
  4. I will be asked to provide my social security number. 
  5. I may be asked and required to be fingerprinted per local school district guidelines. 
  6. I must complete and sign the Volunteer Consent for Release of Criminal Record Check form. During the time period I am waiting to be matched or participating in a match, the information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include driving records check, criminal background check, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth. 

VOLUNTEER PRE-INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE 

Prior to your in-person interview, please answer the questions below. The information you provide will also help us make a better match for you and assure we can support you during your involvement with our program. 
Please note that you will have an opportunity to discuss these questions and your responses more thoroughly during your in-person interview. 






Please provide the name, age, and relationship to you for anyone else residing in your home.  




Statement of Understanding

I consent to and understand that:

  1. The references and youth serving-organization I listed may be contacted by mail, telephone, or email.  Other BBBS agencies and youth organizations where I have worked or volunteered will be contacted as references;  
  2. I must complete and sign the Volunteer Consent for Release of Criminal Record Check form. During the time I am waiting to be matched or participating in a match, the information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include driving records check, criminal background check, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth.  
  3. The BBBS agency is not obligated to match me with a youth and may deny my application or close my match at any time.  BBBS is not required to disclose reasons for denial.  
  4. As part of the enrollment processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an interview. 
  5. I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law and with exceptions noted below.   
  6. I understand that incidents of child abuse or neglect, past or present, must be reported to proper authorities. 
  7. I understand that certain relevant information about me will be discussed with the parent/guardian of a child who is a prospective match (this may include but is not limited to: demographic information, including such characteristics as age, race, religion and sexual orientation,  information relevant to parent/child preferences, and contents of my criminal background check relevant to a child’s safety or well-being).  
  8. I understand that if I own a weapon or firearm or purchase one any time during my enrollment process or match, I must inform BBBS staff immediately. I will store my gun in compliance with BBBS policy. BBBS requires all firearm owners to sign a weapon policy, agreeing to the standards of safe storage of a weapon and agreeing not to have the gun present during time with the Little.  
  9. Volunteer Bigs are prohibited from being under the influence of, or using, any substance (including alcohol, illicit drugs, and legal drugs, including medical marijuana, "legalized" marijuana, and prescription medications) that could potentially affect their judgement, driving, reaction time, or otherwise jeopardize a child's safety and wellbeing while the Little is in the volunteer Big's care or company. 
  10. It is my responsibility to update the agency if any of the information I provide on this application, in my interview, or any other information provided during the enrollment process changes (i.e. address, phone number, auto insurance, new criminal charges, etc.).  
  11. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff.  
  12. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBSMA) works to clear the path to a child's biggest possible future by matching them with a caring, adult mentor in a one-to-one friendship. BBBSMA believes Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are essential parts of our mission to defend the potential of kids in our community. We strive to embrace true representation in our brand, diversity of people and perspectives, and inclusion in all areas of our organization so we can make a generational impact on our community through life-changing friendships. By applying to be a Big, you are committing to helping us defend potential and champion our core values. 
  13. Publicity and promotional materials for Big Brothers Big Sisters are conducted in a variety of forms.  I authorize Big Brothers Big Sisters to identify me in the media as a Big Brother or Big Sister using my full name.  I also give permission for the use of other forms of media including but not limited to written word, photo, video, social media, and voice recording. 

Community Based Program Policy


Volunteers must meet the following criteria: 
  • Be willing to spend regular and consistent time with a child.  Matches are requested to commit to the program for one year from the date of your match, meeting twice a month. 
  • Be 18 years or older to be a Big. 
  • Live or work in one of the following metropolitan Atlanta counties: Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Clayton, Henry, Gwinnett, Butts, or Paulding. 
  • Have dependable automobile transportation, maintain a valid driver’s license and verifiable automobile insurance, abide by Georgia vehicle codes (i.e. seat belts, speed limits, etc.), or have access to public transportation. Volunteers who indicate their mode of transportation as public transportation or ride share only must sign the Alternative Transportation Acknowledgement form. Volunteers who will be using an automobile, must submit a non-expired driver’s license and current automobile insurance card.  Volunteer will incur the cost of all ride share services, including the costs of all tickets, if using Marta. 

Be determined suitable for the program based upon: 
  • Positive recommendations from references provided, including previous youth serving experience. 
  • Findings of a national criminal background check, including the National Sex Offender Registry, and public domain/social media check. 
  • Assessment of enrollment: including interview, training, and matching.   
  • Volunteers must complete the Start Something Big Pre-match training provided by BBBS. 
  • Volunteers with a history of alcohol or drug abuse must have at least three (3) years of sobriety prior to submitting an application. 
  • Potential Volunteer Bigs and volunteers who have been accepted as Volunteer Bigs, Board members, and Agency Staff, will be disqualified for: (a) Failure to complete the application and screening process; (b) Past history of sexual abuse of children; (c) Conviction for any crime in which children were involved; (d) History of any sexually exploitive behavior; and (e) Termination from a paid or volunteer position caused by misconduct with a child. 
  • Volunteers who have been convicted of a felony, which does not involve child abuse, may be considered eligible provided at least five (5) years have passed since the last felony conviction.  Any criminal record may be disclosed to the parent of a potential Little, and that parent reserves the right to forego the match based off of that information.  
  • Volunteers must not have in their possession illegal substances, firearms, or open alcohol during contact with any Little. 
  • It may be requested that a Volunteer give permission for their counselor or therapist to release information to BBBS staff. 
  • Volunteers who own a weapon or firearm, or purchase one any time during their enrollment process or match, must inform BBBS staff immediately.  BBBS requires all firearm owners to sign a weapon’s policy, agreeing to the standards of safe storage of a weapon and agreeing not to have the gun present during time with the Little.   

 
Volunteers must be willing to cooperate with BBBS in the following ways: 
  • Match Support Contacts must occur monthly for supervision during the first year of the match and quarterly after the first year of the match. 
  • Report any issues or concerns about the match relationship to BBBS staff. 
  • All volunteers are considered mandated reporters and must report all suspected abuse to both Department of Family and Children Services and BBBS staff. 

  • BBBS staff will report suspected child abuse and neglect to the Department of Family and Children Services.  
  • BBBS typically matches adults and children of the same gender identity, with the exception of Couples’ matches and Cross-Gender matches.  To participate in a Couples Match, a couple must be married.  
  • BBBS recognizes the right of all parties (parents, children, and volunteers) to deny a potential match prior to entering into a match relationship.  
  • BBBS reserves the right to deny without explanation acceptance into the program any parent, child or volunteer who staff deem inappropriate for the program.    
  • BBBS will disclose any information about the volunteer to the parent/guardian and information about the parent/guardian and child to the volunteer that we deem important to the success of the match, including such characteristics as age, race, religion and sexual orientation.  
  • There will be no visitation to the volunteer’s home residence for the first six (6) months of the match.  
  • There will be no overnight activities/visits between volunteers and children, ever.  
  • In screening volunteers, BBBS does not discriminate against any individual based on national origin, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical disability, marital status, or immigration status.  
Please read the following carefully before signing this application: 
  • I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters.  
  • I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters, including this application, is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not and will not withhold any information that would affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained in my application will be verified by Big Brothers Big Sisters. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer. 
  • I understand that while enrolled with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I will not participate in any illegal activity, including the use of illegal drugs. At any time while involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I agree to immediately inform my Big Brothers Big Sisters contact person of any and all infractions, violations, charges and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal occurrences.  I understand that BBBS staff need to be fully informed to provide the best guidance or support possible.   

Site Based Program Policy

Volunteer Criteria

All volunteers must:
  1. Be willing to spend regular and consistent time with a child.  Matches are requested to commit to the program for one year from the date of your match, meeting for two hours per month.
  2. Be 18 years or older.
  3. Live or work in one of the following metropolitan Atlanta counties: Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Clayton, Henry, Gwinnett, Butts, or Paulding.
  4. Agree to only meet with their Little at the designated Site/Company/School, per the Site Based/ Beyond School Walls Program policy. 
Volunteers must be determined suitable for the program based upon:
  1. Positive recommendations from references provided, including previous youth serving experience.
  2. Findings of a national criminal background check, including the National Sex Offender Registry, and public domain/social media check.
  3. Assessment of volunteer enrollment portfolio: including interview, training, and references, and background check. 
  4. Completion of the Start Something Big Pre-match training provided by BBBS.
  5. Being chemically free for a minimum of three (3) years prior to submitting an application, if a volunteer has a history of chemical dependence.
Volunteers must agree to:
  1. A volunteer who has been convicted of a felony involving child abuse will not be considered for the program. The agency reserves the right to reject any volunteer who has any criminal record, including arrests.  Volunteers who have been convicted of a felony, which does not involve child abuse, may be considered eligible provided at least seven (7) years have passed since the last felony conviction.  Any criminal record may be disclosed to the parent of a potential Little, and that parent reserves the right to forego the match based off of that information.
  2. Volunteers must not have in their possession illegal substances, firearms, or open alcohol during contact with any Little.
  3. Volunteers must give permission for their counselor or therapist to release information to BBBS staff.
  4. Volunteers who own a weapon or firearm, or purchase one any time during their enrollment process or match, must inform BBBS staff immediately.  BBBS requires all firearm owners to sign a weapon’s policy, agreeing to the standards of safe storage of a weapon and agreeing not to have the gun present during time with the Little. 
  5. Volunteers must be willing to cooperate with BBBS in the following ways:
  6. Match Support Contacts: contact must continue monthly for supervision during the first year of the match; quarterly after the first year of the match.
  7. Report any issues or concerns about the match relationship to the Match Support Team or other BBBS staff.
  8. All volunteers are considered mandated reporters, and must report all suspected abuse to both Department of Family and Children Services and BBBS staff. 

Agency Agreements
  1. BBBS staff will report suspected child abuse and neglect to the Department of Family and Children Services. 
  2. BBBS recognizes the right of all parties (parents, children, and volunteers) to deny a potential match prior to entering into a match relationship. 
  3. BBBS reserves the right to deny without explanation acceptance into the program any parent, child or volunteer who staff deem inappropriate for the program.   
  4. BBBS will disclose any information about the volunteer to the parent/guardian and information about the parent/guardian and child to the volunteer that we deem important to the success of the match, including such characteristics as age, race, religion and sexual orientation. 
  5. In the Beyond School Walls Program, all visits between the Big and Little must only occur at the designated site/company/school. 
  6. In screening volunteers, BBBS does not discriminate against any individual based on national origin, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, physical disability, marital status, or immigration status. 
Please read the following carefully before signing this application:
  1. I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters. 
  2. I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters, including this application, is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. 
  3. I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not and will not withhold any information that would affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained on my application will be verified by Big Brothers Big Sisters. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer.
  4. At any time while involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I agree to immediately inform my Big Brothers Big Sisters contact person of any and all infractions, violations, charges and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal occurrences.  I understand that BBBS staff needs to be fully informed to provide the best guidance or support possible.  

Consents

Media Release
I irrevocably consent to any and all uses and displays of my name, image, likeness, appearance, and basic biographical information in, on, or in connection with any advertising, publicity, marketing, or printed or electronic media, of any type, throughout the world at any time by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, and any of their affiliates, successors, partners, sponsors, donors, and any entities or persons with whom they conduct any public relations, marketing, or fund raising of any type, without further consent from me or without any royalty, payment, or other compensation to me, without any royalty, payment, or other compensation to me or Minor Child, and with the release and waiver of any claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liability of any kind arising from any such use.
Consent
I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Statement of Understanding and the Program Policies of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Inc. and to cooperate with Big Brothers Big Sisters staff.  Any information that I as the Parent / Guardian share with BBBSMA, including in this application, will be kept confidential unless subpoenaed by a court of law.